Summer is upon us and a more perfect summer evening for racing you will hard stretched to find. The added bonus free rock concert increased the value for race teams and fans. In an innovative promotion, Shippensburg had a local rock band Seventh Tower (www.seventhtowerband.com/) performing before and after the racing action. The on track action once again proved that the smaller slick tracks require a level of throttle control /setup that with correct track preparation, can enhance the racing experience.

The long tow award went to Rick Stone who made the tow from Connecticut. Rick has a long racing resume having raced everything from bikes to WOO to F1. This was his first time on the Shippensburg bullring that he can now add to his track list. The first feature saw Rohan Beasley make the most of his pole starting position to lead all 20 laps. At one stage Beasley opened up almost a ½ a lap lead and his increased speed sent a ripple through the pits. Coming home 2nd was current point leader Mike Zielonis with his team car driven by Jason Stahl in 3rd. Brandon Yarlett made some moves to come from 8th to 4th and Rich Halter rounded out the top 5.

As this was Beasley’s first win at Shippensburg the victory lane photos will be cherished. Beasley shared that ” he wanted to thank his wife, Katie for her support, his Grandson for the loud cheering and his new crew chief James helping turn the program around. Special thanks to Scott and Aaron Spahr for their setup guidance and providing a different thought process. Thanks to ESC transport and Next Wave Electric for their long time support. Most importantly thanks to all the other Sidewinder teams that make this class so much fun to be a part of.”

The 2nd feature saw the first feature prime mover, Brandon Yarlett jump to the early lead. Brandon was able to stay in front of both the “81” cars of Stahl and Zielonis to take the win. The pressure was on as the first 3 cars raced bumper to bumper. The slightest mistake by any of them would have resulted in a passing opportunity. Further back in the field the action was just as intense. Beasley tried for multiple laps to work under Rick Stone before heading to the high side and using the momentum to slowly ( 1 foot at a time) make the pass on Stone. Beasley commented later that he could tell that Rick was a “pro” as he left the outside lane open resulting in 5 laps of side by side action that left both drivers entertained. The one caution flew when Beasley caught an infield tire and spun in turn 4. Late in the race Rich Halter started to run a higher line. He later explained that his car just became too tight and it wouldn’t rotate . Zach Overmiller also struggled with a tight race car and had a frustrating nights racing. Rookie Matt Kreider continues to impress and the closeness of the racing action at Shippensburg is great experience.

With Shippensburg’s wireless mic not performing, it was left to the Sidewinder officials to catch up with Brandon later in the pits. “ Firstly, thanks Shippensburg for having us, I grew up racing here for years and I can tell you that it is so much more fun with the extra need for throttle control. We were a very tight tonight in second feature and that really makes it tough going and hard to hold on to. I saw the 81 car behind me and I think he was playing with me waiting on that screw up to pass. With both cars looking similar I wasn’t sure if it was Mike or Jason, aftr it was over I saw that it was the 81Z and Jason was driving. He is heading overseas again to chase the snow bunnies and want to wish him safe travels and I'll speak for sidewinder sprints and say we'll miss you".. I like to thank my mom and fiancé dawn, and I know that my father is in heaven and looking down and riding with me.” Brandon continued “ Many thanks to Stardust Motel and Self Storage, Souder Feed and Grain, Spar Racing Engines for a excellent motor and RTS chassis for a great chassis .”

For the first time in Sidewinder history the overall placing's for the nights races saw a draw for 1st position. The odds were even longer when team cars filled those positions and the odds are near impossible that those cars did not win one of the features. Congratulations to Mike Zielonis and Jason Stahl for creating history.

Q. This week the Sidewinder are back at Shippensburg. Last time Austin Reed showed that the bigger upright Hyper Racing chassis can get the job done on the small oval. How may uprights will step up to the challenge this time ?

A. Two uprights came ou to play, Zach Overmiller in his Hyper and long distance traveler Rick Stone in his Bailey. Both teams struggled to find the setup on the slick bullring.

Q. Can the teams remember scales and tech this week ?

A. Yes ! All teams did their part of the process and the all clear was given.

Next Week’s Questions;

Q. With the return to Path Valley , the question will be will one of the Path Valley regulars be able to replicate Steve Whary and Ben Holutz’s 1st and 2nd place finish from the previous appearance or will the Sidewinder teams strike back ?

Sidewinder Sprints are accepting 2014 registrations. Drivers wishing to join are reminded to register with us ASAP (click the registration link on our website) to reserve your car number, as we do not allow duplicate numbers, and to receive important "registered team" only emails regarding rules, contingency requirements and schedules.

Sidewinder Sprints will be appearing at:Path Valley June 14thPath Valley June 28thSusquehanna July 3rd (Thursday Night)

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